The passing of Queen Elizabeth II on September 8, 2022 at the age of 96 marked the end of the longest reign in British history. As the beloved monarch is laid to rest, questions arise about what she will be buried with, including her jewelry and other personal effects.
Will the Queen’s engagement ring be buried with her?
Queen Elizabeth II’s engagement ring was given to her by Prince Philip when he proposed in 1947. The ring featured a 3-carat center diamond flanked by 10 smaller diamonds taken from a tiara that belonged to Philip’s mother, Princess Alice of Battenberg.
According to royal tradition, the engagement ring typically remains on the bride’s finger rather than being passed down. This seems likely to be the case for Queen Elizabeth II’s ring, as she wore it throughout her reign up until her death.
Royal correspondent Phil Dampier stated, “It will be very poignant if the Queen is buried wearing it. It’s a tragic love story.” He explained that though Philip could be tough and demanding, the Queen wore the ring to symbolize their enduring 73-year marriage.
Jewelry experts also note that the diamonds in the Queen’s ring are too sentimentally priceless to remove. So it is highly probable that she will be buried wearing this meaningful piece of jewelry.
What other jewelry might the Queen be buried with?
In addition to her engagement ring, other jewelry with sentimental value that Queen Elizabeth II may be buried with includes:
- Pearl earrings she favored for public appearances and portraits
- Her Welsh gold wedding band given to her by Prince Philip in 1947
- The diamond and platinum Imperial State Crown she wore at coronations
- A multi-strand pearl necklace also worn at her coronation
Some of the Queen’s most dazzling jewels, like the imperial state crown, will likely be passed down rather than buried. But more discrete pieces she wore regularly could remain with her.
What will the Queen be buried in?
Queen Elizabeth II will likely be buried in a simple dress, coat, and hat combination rather than ornate royal robes or gowns. For royal women, tradition calls for burial in their wedding dress or a plain dress selected ahead of time.
Here are details on what she may wear:
| Clothing Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Dress | White or cream-colored, knee length |
| Coat | Matching dress coat in a complementary color |
| Hat | A small hat or head covering |
The Queen was known for her bright, color-coordinated outfits. But royal experts believe she will select a more muted, traditional ensemble for her burial clothing.
What items were buried with previous monarchs?
Looking back at what was buried with previous royals gives clues to what may accompany Queen Elizabeth II. Here are some notable personal effects buried with past kings and queens:
| Monarch | Personal Items Buried |
|---|---|
| Queen Victoria | Wedding ring, dressing gown, slippers, photographs |
| King Edward VII | Military uniforms, cavalry boots, army telegrams |
| King George V | Naval swords, silver coin collection, military medals |
| King George VI | Pipe, naval medals, RAF wings |
This shows a tradition of burying monarchs with items that reflect their personal lives, interests, and duties. Based on this, Queen Elizabeth II may also be buried with some small sentimental effects beyond just jewelry and clothing.
Where will the Queen be buried?
Queen Elizabeth II will be buried in the King George VI memorial chapel at St. George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle alongside her father, King George VI, mother Queen Elizabeth, and sister Princess Margaret.
Prince Philip will be moved from the Royal Vault to the memorial chapel to join her. This will reunite the Queen with her beloved husband and family.
What is the history of the burial site?
Some key facts about the Queen’s chosen burial site:
- The King George VI annex was created in 1969 following King George VI’s death in 1952.
- It is an annex attached to the main St. George’s Chapel where monarchs are traditionally married and buried.
- Queen Elizabeth commissioned the memorial chapel for her father’s burial.
- The chapel will allow the Queen to be laid to rest close to her immediate family members.
When will the Queen be buried?
Official plans call for Queen Elizabeth II’s burial to take place on Monday, September 19, 2022. This follows the timeline of:
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| September 13 | Procession from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Hall |
| September 14-18 | Lying in state |
| September 19 | State funeral at Westminster Abbey |
| September 19 | Committal service at St. George’s Chapel |
After the state funeral concludes, the Queen’s coffin will travel to Windsor for the smaller committal service and burial that same day.
Conclusion
The passing of Queen Elizabeth II marks a momentous shift for the British monarchy. As she is laid to rest according to tradition and custom, myriad small details will carry deeper emotional significance – from her jewelry and clothing, to location alongside her beloved Prince Philip and family members. While the magnificent public ceremonies unfold, the intimate personal touches for her burial reflect a life of duty and devotion as Britain’s longest-reigning monarch.